Obituaries

Leonard Paul Beck

Photo of Leonard Paul Beck
Leonard Paul Beck, age 85, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2013, at St. Mary's Health Center in Jefferson City. He was born in St. Elizabeth on February 6, 1928, son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Adrian) Beck. On May 21, 1952, in St. Elizabeth, Leonard married Louise Elizabeth Oligschlaeger, who survives at the home. He attended Central Missouri State College, University of Missouri, and Lincoln University earning his education and master's degrees. Leonard was a teacher at St. Elizabeth for 33 years. During his years as a teacher he taught history, shop, power mechanics, and drafting. He was a lifelong farmer in the Miller County area and was a school bus driver for over 50 years. Leonard enjoyed playing pitch, fishing, farming, hunting, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. He is also survived by two daughters, Jackie Wankum and husband Jerry of St. Louis and Doris Ellis of Warrensburg; two sons, Paul Beck and wife Janet of St. Elizabeth and Greg Beck and wife Andrea of Jefferson City; seven grandchildren, Natalie Clements, Emily Lashlee, Daniel Wankum, Thomas Wankum, Michael Wankum, Phillip Beck and Connor Beck; six great-grandchildren, Julia Lashlee, Lily Lashlee, Devon Clements, Grace Clements, William Clements, and Owen Clements; and three brothers, Theodore Beck, Raymond Beck, and Norbert Beck. He was preceded in death by one son, Philip Joseph Beck; one sister, Pauline Huhman; and one brother, Alfred Beck. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Fr. Ben Nwosu will officiate. Interment with military honors will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Elizabeth. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., with a rosary and prayer service at 7 p.m., on Monday, July 15, at the St. Elizabeth Community Center. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Lawrence Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.

Published July 14, 2013